What would drive someone to renounce all their possessions, relationships, and ambitions to join a religious community? Sean talks with Zena Hitz, whose new book A Philosopher Looks at the Religious Life explores this question — drawing from her own experience. They discuss the occasionally perplexing relationship between faith and reason, why Hitz thinks the act of renunciation is the pinnacle of Christian belief, and why the radicalism at the heart of Christianity seems so absent from mainstream practice.Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray AreaGuest: Zena Hitz, (@zenahitz) author; tutor, St. John's CollegeReferences:  A Philosopher Looks at the Religious Life by Zena Hitz (Cambridge; 2023) Lost In Thought: The Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life by Zena Hitz (Princeton; 2020) The Madonna House in Combermere, Ontario, Canada Confessions by St. Augustine (401 AD) Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky (1866)  Enjoyed this episode? Rate The Gray Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear the next episode of The Gray Area. Subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Help keep this show and all of Vox's journalism free by making a gift to Vox today: bit.ly/givepodcastsThis episode was made by:  Producer: Erikk Geannikis Engineer: Patrick Boyd Editorial Director, Vox Talk: A.M. Hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zena Hitz, a philosopher and tutor at St. John’s College, passionately discusses her love for the Great Books and their impact on personal growth. She shares insights on Shakespeare’s complex relationships, emphasizing how age alters our understanding of his themes. Zena advocates for the value of direct engagement with literature over secondary sources. The conversation also touches on the nostalgic magic of children’s literature, her reflections on immersive education, and the hidden virtues of nuns in society.

Zena Hitz, a Tutor at St. John's College and author of "Lost in Thought," shares her insights on the joy of intellectual exploration. She discusses how temperament shapes philosophical inquiry, mixing seriousness with playful argumentation. Zena recounts her transformative journey after leaving academia, finding freedom outside competitive pressures. The conversation delves into existential fears and authenticity, linking personal values to broader philosophical themes. Listeners are invited to explore these ideas further through literature and her new book.

Prof. Zena Hitz discusses the depiction of Mary's intellectual pursuits, emphasizing her wisdom and readiness to receive the angel's message. They explore Mary's virtues, consent to the divine plan, and inward focus through prayer, drawing parallels to Einstein's breakthroughs. The discussion delves into characters prioritizing contemplation over social interactions and explores Mary's intellectual pursuits, solitude, humility, and grace.

Dr. Zena Hitz discusses Mary's intellectual virtues, comparing them to figures like Albert Einstein. The podcast explores seclusion for learning, withdrawal for self-collection, and the human elements of the intellectual life, emphasizing solitude, virtues, and dedicated spaces for contemplation.

Prof. Zena Hitz discusses how liberal arts aid in spiritual growth, showcasing stories of intellectual pursuits in prison and outside academic settings. The podcast explores a philosopher's conversion, the symbolism of the Virgin Mary, and the role of discipline in spiritual growth.

Prof. Zena Hitz discusses the importance of leisure for human fulfillment using Augustine's contemplation, contrasting portrayals in French comedy and German romance films, exploring Mary's virtues and the role of study in leisure, and highlighting the essence of leisure in revealing humanity's true dignity and essence.

Zena Hitz, an expert on leisure, discusses the essence of genuine leisure for human fulfillment, contrasting distractions. She explores contemplative leisure in films, traditional leisure through reading, and the necessity of embracing leisure for personal growth and societal value.

Expert Zena Hitz delves into the significance of leisure in human life, exploring deep contemplation and stillness beyond mere relaxation. Reflects on pursuing ultimate ends for intrinsic value and Aristotle's view on leisure fostering creativity and personal growth. Discusses challenges in attaining meaningful leisure amidst demanding work conditions, contrasting natural leisure with strenuous work situations.

Educator Zena Hitz and an unknown guest discuss the crisis of prioritizing practicality over deeper learning in modern education. They explore the importance of pursuing activities for their intrinsic value and the role of contemplation in finding meaning and purpose. The podcast delves into Augustine's influence on the speaker's life, the transformative nature of philosophical texts, the contrast between shallow spectacles and genuine pursuits, and the significance of humility in society.